Islamabad: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani has reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive and growth-oriented economic policymaking while engaging with business leaders at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) ahead of the federal budget 2026-27.
During the interactive session with exporters, traders, and media representatives, the Minister said Karachi remains the ‘heart of Pakistan’s economic activity’ and stressed that stakeholder consultation is central to fiscal planning under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
He informed participants that extensive consultations are being conducted nationwide, including with FPCCI, OICCI, and small trader associations, to incorporate business feedback into the upcoming budget. He added that these engagements are aimed at ensuring a ‘whole-of-economy approach’ to policymaking.
Highlighting macroeconomic developments since February 2024, the Minister pointed to improvements in inflation control, tax performance, external account stability, and progress under IMF programme reviews. He said Pakistan is working to break the historic boom-and-bust economic cycle by prioritizing exports, productivity, and industrial competitiveness.
He also referenced ongoing government initiatives such as Exporters’ Recognition Awards and nine sectoral working groups formed to support long-term economic reforms. On energy pricing, he stated that petroleum prices are aligned with global trends, with adjustments and subsidies provided where necessary to protect vulnerable groups.
At the conclusion of the session, exporters submitted proposals for the Finance Bill 2026-27, which the Minister assured would be considered during budget formulation.